Segelu Celebrates Muslims and Christians as Ramadan, Lent Commence

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  A chieftain and community leader, Chief Olayinka Segelu Akintola Oladimeji, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim and Christian faithful as the sacred seasons of Ramadan and Lent commence. In a goodwill message made available to journalists in Ibadan, Chief Segelu congratulated Muslims on the commencement of Ramadan, describing the holy month as a period devoted to fasting, prayer, charity, and sober reflection. He urged adherents of Islam to embrace the core values of compassion, self-discipline, sacrifice, and generosity which define the sacred season. According to him, Ramadan is not only a time of abstinence from food and drink, but also a period of deep spiritual renewal and strengthened commitment to humanity. Similarly, Chief Segelu congratulated Christians on the observance of Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, a solemn season of fasting, repentance, and devotion in the Christian calendar. He encouraged Christians to reflect on the virtues of humility, forgiveness, and love for one another throughout the Lenten period. The community leader noted that the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent this year serves as a powerful reminder of the shared values that bind Nigerians together, including faith, unity, peace, and service to others. He described the moment as a unique opportunity to promote interfaith harmony, mutual respect, and collective prayers for the progress and stability of the nation. Chief Segelu further called on citizens to use the sacred period to pray for peace, security, and sustainable development, while extending hands of kindness and support to the less privileged in society. He wished Muslim and Christian faithful a spiritually fulfilling Ramadan and Lenten season, praying that their sacrifices and supplications would bring divine blessings, renewed strength, and lasting peace to communities and the nation at large.

Drama as Natasha Protests Exclusion from North Central Committee

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  The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has protested what she described as a sustained pattern of marginalisation within the Senate, culminating in her alleged exclusion from the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission. The controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of committee appointments and influence in the 10th National Assembly, where committee memberships are widely regarded as critical platforms for legislative input, oversight functions, and constituency representation. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s grievance followed her alleged omission from the membership of the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission — a body whose mandate directly impacts states within her geopolitical zone. The senator arrived at a committee meeting prepared to participate in the proceedings, only to discover that her name was missing from the official attendance list. Upon noticing the omission, she sought to consult the committee clerk to determine the reason for her exclusion, but was informed that the clerk was in the office of the committee chairman, Senator Titus Tartenger Zam. She subsequently proceeded to the chairman’s office for clarification. Tension reportedly flared during the ensuing exchange, with Akpoti-Uduaghan alleging that the chairman indicated his actions were based on instructions from higher authorities, though no details were provided. She said, “This incident is part of a recurring pattern of marginalisation. All senators are constitutionally equal in status, authority, and mandate.” The Kogi Central lawmaker questioned the procedural and constitutional basis for excluding her from a committee handling matters central to the North Central geopolitical zone. In a statement later made available to journalists in Abuja by her media aide, Mike Idoko, Akpoti-Uduaghan said tensions escalated when aides attached to the committee chairman confronted members of her media team. “Approximately six aides, including the chairman’s secretary, seized my cinematographer’s phone and engaged in verbal hostility. This is unacceptable,” she said. Reaffirming her commitment to what she described as fairness and institutional integrity, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that her position was anchored on the electoral mandate given to her by the people of Kogi Central. She pledged to continue advocating for equitable treatment whenever legislative rights are undermined.  

US Sanctions Eight Nigerians Over Links to Boko Haram, Cybercrime

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  The United States has frozen the assets and properties of eight Nigerians accused of having links to the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. This was contained in a 3,000-page document dated February 10, released by the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and sighted by the correspondent on Monday. The document also identified individuals sanctioned for cybercrime-related offences and other security threats. The pronouncement comes on the heels of recent recommendations by the US Congress for visa bans and asset freezes on persons and groups accused of violations of religious freedom and persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso; the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria; and Miyetti Allah Kautal were recommended by United States lawmakers for visa bans and asset freezes. The OFAC document, titled “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List,” detailed individuals of other nationalities and entities whose assets had been frozen, serving as a reference tool. It also provided notice of actions taken against Specially Designated Nationals, whose property and interests were blocked as part of counter-terrorism efforts. According to OFAC, the move forms part of its broader efforts to block the property and interests of Specially Designated Nationals and prevent financial dealings with them. “This publication of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control is designed as a reference tool providing actual notice of actions by OFAC with respect to Specially Designated Nationals and other persons (which term includes both individuals and entities) whose property is blocked, to assist the public in complying with the various sanctions programmes administered by OFAC,” the agency said. Among those listed is Salih Yusuf Adamu, also known as Salihu Yusuf, born on August 23, 1990, in Nigeria. Yusuf was identified as having ties to Boko Haram and was reported to hold a Nigerian passport. Yusuf was among six Nigerians convicted in 2022 for setting up a Boko Haram cell in the United Arab Emirates to raise funds for insurgents in Nigeria. The six men were convicted in the UAE for attempting to send $782,000 from Dubai to Nigeria. Another individual, Babestan Oluwole Ademulero, born on March 4, 1953, in Nigeria, was designated under SDNTK sanctions. He appeared under several aliases, including Wole A. Babestan and Olatunde Irewole Shofeso. Also designated was Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, also known as Ba Idrisa. He was reportedly born between 1989 and 1994 in Maiduguri, Borno State, and was flagged under terrorism-related sanctions. Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, also referred to as Habib Yusuf, was listed with varying birth years between 1990 and 1995. He was identified as a Boko Haram leader and sanctioned under terrorism provisions. Khaled (or Khalid) Al-Barnawi, whose name appeared twice in the publication, was born in 1976 in Maiduguri, Nigeria. He was linked to Boko Haram and listed under several aliases, including Abu Hafsat and Mohammed Usman. Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, born January 31, 1981, in Nigeria, was listed with a Nigerian passport. He was reported to reside in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and was linked to Boko Haram. Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki, also known as Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, was born in 1982 in Mainok, Borno State. He was identified as having ties to ISIL. Nnamdi Orson Benson, born March 21, 1987, in Nigeria, was listed under CYBER2 sanctions and was reported to hold a Nigerian passport. The inclusion of these names in the OFAC list highlights Washington’s continued focus on countering terrorism financing and cyber threats. The sanctions mean that all property and interests of these individuals within US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. Nigerians listed under the US Treasury sanctions face asset freezes under Executive Order 13224. The United States officially designated Boko Haram a foreign terrorist organisation in 2013. According to the US State Department, the group is responsible for numerous attacks in the northern and northeastern regions of the country, as well as in the Lake Chad Basin in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, that have killed thousands of people since 2009. The US Secretary of State determines countries that have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. Such countries are designated under three laws: Section 1754(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, Section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act, and Section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. In October 2025, for the second time, US President Donald Trump announced that Nigeria would be added to the US Department of State’s list of “Countries of Particular Concern.” Trump, in a post on X, explained that Nigeria would be placed on a religious freedom watchlist, alleging that Christians were facing persecution and being killed by Muslims. Nigeria was first designated as a Country of Particular Concern in 2020 under President Trump, but former President Joe Biden removed Nigeria from the list shortly after assuming office.

NCDC Raises Alarm as Lassa Fever Kills Two Health Workers, 15 Infected

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  The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Monday raised an alarm over the increasing spread of Lassa fever among health care workers. The disease control agency noted that so far, two health workers have been killed, while 15 confirmed cases of Lassa fever have been documented among health care workers as Nigeria battles another outbreak of the zoonotic disease. In an advisory released on Monday, the NCDC expressed its sympathy to the affected health workers. “Recent surveillance data indicate a concerning increase in Lassa fever infections among healthcare workers, with 15 confirmed cases and 2 deaths recorded as of Epidemiological Week 7. Healthcare worker infections have been reported across multiple states, including the known high-burden areas such as Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Benue, with specific hotspots often identified at the LGA level. “As part of its mandate, NCDC investigates every healthcare worker infection to identify drivers of transmission and prevent further cases. Recent findings reveal gaps in infection prevention and control practices, as well as missed risks of exposure in certain departments. “These gaps have resulted in IPC strategies that are misaligned with actual exposure risks, with fatal consequences.” Lassa fever, an animal-borne or zoonotic, acute viral illness spread by the common African rat, also known as the Mastomys rat species, is endemic in Nigeria and some other West African countries. Since the last outbreak of the disease in 2016, there has been an increase in the number of recurring cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses. Humans usually become infected with the Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. The disease is endemic in the rodent population in parts of West Africa. Lassa fever is known to be endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria, but probably exists in other West African countries as well. “Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings in the absence of adequate infection prevention and control measures,” the global health body stated.  

Chief Olayinka Segelu’s Contributions To PDP Highlighted Ahead Of 2027 Elections

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  IBADAN – THE attention of our office has been drawn to recent comments questioning Chief Olayinka Segelu’s electoral value and political relevance. We wish to put on record that Chief Segelu has been a consistent financier, mobilizer, and grassroots coordinator within the party structure in Lagelu Local Government and beyond. His contributions to the party’s growth are well-documented, including branding a campaign bus for Seyi Makinde’s first-term campaign in 2018/2019, and three vehicles for the re-election campaign in 2022/2023. These efforts were acknowledged by prominent party figures, including the late Rt. Hon. Kehinde Ayoola and former Oyo State PDP Chairman, Alhaji Taofeek Oyetunde Olayiwola. A recent video from the last election in Lagelu Local Government showcases Chief Segelu’s grassroots influence across multiple wards and Igbo Elerinland. As 2027 approaches, we believe his proven commitment, leadership, and grassroots acceptance will speak louder than unfounded claims. Chief Olayinka Segelu remains calm, focused, and committed to contributing to the party’s growth and stability.

Oyo Lawmakers Seek To Ban Single-Use Plastics, As Bill Scales First Reading

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  IBADAN – THE Oyo State House of Assembly on Thursday took the first reading of a Bill seeking to prohibit the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of single-use plastics across the State, as part of legislative efforts to curb plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability. The Bill, titled Oyo State Single-Use Plastics Prohibition (SUPs) Bill, 2026, was read on the floor of the House during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin. The proposed legislation is jointly sponsored by the Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Ecology and Water Resources, Hon. Olorunpoto Cephas Rahaman (Oyo East/Oyo West), the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin (Ibarapa East), and the Leader of the House, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin (Ogbomoso South). According to the provisions of the Bill, the law seeks to phase out all forms of single-use plastics in Oyo State, including plastic shopping bags, sachet water bags, plastic straws, cutlery, cups, plates and Styrofoam containers commonly used for food and beverage packaging. The Bill also specifically prohibits the use of plastic straws and cutlery in eateries, event centres and other public places. To allow for a smooth transition, the Bill provides for a twelve-month phase-out period from its commencement, during which public sensitisation and behavioural change campaigns will be intensified. The transition period is also expected to enable manufacturers, vendors and consumers to adopt biodegradable and environmentally friendly alternatives. The Bill vests enforcement powers in the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, which is mandated to establish a Task Force on Plastic Pollution Control to monitor compliance and enforce the law. The Task Force is to collaborate with Local Government Authorities, civil society organisations, environmental marshals and security agencies, while the Ministry may also deploy digital tracking mechanisms and whistleblower reports to strengthen enforcement. The proposed law outlines graduated penalties for offenders, ranging from warnings and mandatory environmental awareness training for first-time offenders to heavy fines, compulsory corporate social responsibility projects and possible closure of business premises for repeat offenders. Companies that continue the production of single-use plastics after the expiration of the phase-out period will also be liable to a special environmental tax of not less than 500 per cent of the regular production tax. In addition, the Bill makes provisions for the promotion of biodegradable and compostable products by supporting local manufacturers, facilitating access to technical assistance and encouraging research and development through partnerships with academic and research institutions. It also proposes incentives such as tax waivers, grants, subsidies and preferential procurement policies for businesses producing eco-friendly alternatives. The Bill further mandates medium and large-scale businesses operating in the State to commit to corporate environmental responsibility through community-based sanitation and periodic environmental clean-up activities. Provisions are also included to promote recycling through investments in waste collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure, as well as public-private partnerships to establish recycling hubs across Local Government Areas.

Police Confirm Abduction Of 12-Year-Old Secondary School Student In Ibadan

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  IBADAN – THE Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a 12-year-old female secondary school student in the Challenge area of Ibadan, describing the incident as a suspected kidnapping and assuring the public that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim. The student, a Junior Secondary School 2 pupil of Monarch Model College, was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Thursday, February 12, 2026, while being dropped off for school. Eyewitnesses said the kidnappers, who were masked and arrived in a vehicle without number plates, allegedly trailed the girl’s mother before striking at a junction leading to the school premises. The gunmen were said to be armed and fired shots into the air to scare residents, while also puncturing the tyre of the mother’s vehicle — a Toyota RAV4 with Lagos registration number KRD 350 GP. The student was reportedly dragged away despite attempting to resist, as the abductors escaped through the Challenge axis. The incident was promptly reported at the Orita Challenge Police Station, where officers visited the scene alongside the victim’s mother for preliminary assessment. Confirming the incident in an official police response, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olusola Olayinka Ayanlade, “An incident of suspected kidnapping was reported in the Challenge area of Ibadan in the early hours of today, Wednesday, 12th February 2026.” According to the Command, “Preliminary information indicates that at about 7:20 a.m., a 12-year-old female student of a private secondary school in the area was allegedly abducted by unknown armed men at a junction leading to the school premises as she was alighting from a vehicle that conveyed her to school.” The Police said detectives were immediately mobilised to the scene. “The incident was promptly reported to the Police, and detectives were immediately deployed to the scene for preliminary assessment and fact-finding. Eyewitnesses at the scene were identified and questioned, and their accounts are providing valuable leads to assist ongoing investigations,”the statement read. The Command further disclosed that the parents of the victim are working closely with the Police. “The parents of the victim have been contacted and are in close contact with the Police as efforts continue to ensure the safe rescue of the child,” it added. Reassuring the public, the Police said the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident. “The Commissioner of Police has directed a comprehensive and intelligence-driven investigation, assuring that all possibilities and options are being explored to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring those responsible to justice,” the statement said. The Command appealed for calm and cooperation from residents. “Members of the public are urged to remain calm and to support the Police with any useful information, assuring that such information will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” it stated, adding that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.  

Oyo PDP Celebrates Ogundoyin’s Exit As Conference of Speakers Chairman, Says “We’re Proud Of You”

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  IBADAN – THE Oyo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Adebo Ogundoyin, on the successful completion of his tenure as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria. In a statement issued and signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Micheal Ogunsina, the PDP described Ogundoyin’s tenure as impactful and exemplary, noting that his leadership brought renewed vigour, inclusiveness and reforms to the Conference. The party said it was proud of the numerous achievements recorded by the Speaker, stressing that since its formation, the PDP has always put forward its best hands in service to the people, a tradition it said was clearly reflected in Ogundoyin’s stewardship both as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers and as Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly. According to the statement, Ogundoyin emerged as the youngest Chairman in the history of the Conference, a development the party described as symbolic of a generational shift that ushered in a reform-driven and inclusive leadership era. The PDP highlighted the digital transformation of state legislatures during his tenure, noting that through a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), legislative processes were modernised to enhance transparency, efficiency, accountability and citizen engagement. The party also commended the strengthening of legislative autonomy under his leadership, which it said further institutionalised the independence and voice of state legislatures across the country. It further stated that Ogundoyin deepened intergovernmental relations between the Conference of Speakers and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, with engagements focusing on constitutional amendments, governance reforms and the strengthening of democracy at sub-national levels. Under his chairmanship, the Conference intensified advocacy for the implementation of financial autonomy for state legislatures and made notable contributions to Nigeria’s constitutional review process. These, the party said, included advocacy for the establishment of state police, devolution of powers to sub-national governments, and expanded international and diplomatic engagements. The statement noted that the Conference held strategic discussions with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria on legislative development and investment opportunities, as well as engagements with the United States Consul General and the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, focusing on democratic values, legislative accountability and institutional capacity building. The PDP assured Nigerians that despite prevailing challenges, the party remains committed to protecting the interests of the people and will continue to present capable and credible leaders in service to Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

Rains Trigger Flooding, Traffic Gridlock in Lagos

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  Lagos State Government has reassured residents that the flooding on parts of Lekki on Tuesday is a short-term occurrence and that normal conditions are expected as the waters recede. The development came after heavy rainfall led to temporary tidal lock-ups and flash floods, causing traffic congestion along key roads, including Chisco Elegushi and the Elf area, tailing back to Jakande First Gate. The incident was captured in a video circulating online, where a motorist recorded a visibly flooded road on Lekki, alleging that the flooding occurred after just 30 minutes of rainfall. Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a post on X, urged residents to remain calm, stressing that there is no need for panic, as he assured all that government teams are closely monitoring the situation. “While there was rainfall on the Island and a temporary tidal lock-up occurred, this is a short-term situation. “As the tide recedes in the next few minutes, the water will discharge naturally and conditions will improve,” he said. Meanwhile, Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, also took to X to update motorists on the traffic situation. “Due to the heavy rains, there are flash floods at Chisco Elegushi worsening traffic flow. The backlog has extended to Elf tailing back to Jakande First Gate. “We are confident that the floodwaters will soon drain and improve the congestion,” Osiyemi said, urging road users to follow official traffic channels for real-time updates. Residents have been advised to exercise caution while commuting and to follow official updates as Lagos State authorities work to restore normal conditions across affected areas.  

I was Never Tinubu’s Friend — El-Rufai

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  A former Kaduna State Governor and ex-Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed claims of a personal fallout with President Bola Tinubu, stating that he never had a personal relationship with the President in the first place. Speaking during an interview on Trust TV on Monday, El-Rufai said his support for Tinubu’s 2023 presidential bid was driven by party loyalty and political arrangements, not friendship. “I was never Tinubu’s friend. We never had a personal relationship like the one I had with General Buhari of blessed memory,” he said. The former governor explained that his involvement in Tinubu’s emergence as president followed consultations within the All Progressives Congress and broader political considerations ahead of the election. “I was approached by certain Islamic stakeholders from the southwest to support the emergence of a southwest Muslim presidential candidate. That is how the discussions started,” El-Rufai stated. He added that the zoning understanding within the APC after President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure made a southern presidency inevitable. “As governor of Kaduna and one of the founders of APC, I knew there was an understanding that after eight years of Buhari, power would return to the south. It wasn’t about Tinubu; he was merely an accidental beneficiary,” he said. El-Rufai noted that once Tinubu secured the party’s ticket, he committed himself to the campaign in line with his personal principles. “It is a principle of mine to fight for the candidate of my party in every election, whether I like the candidate or not. The fact that he emerged as the party’s candidate meant I would give everything to ensure he won.” However, he said fundamental disagreements surfaced after the election, rooted in differing philosophies of governance and public service. “We didn’t fall out; we didn’t find areas of agreement. I am in government to serve the public and deliver results, not to enrich myself or appoint cronies,” El-Rufai said. According to him, the governing approach of the current administration sharply contrasts with his own values. “The philosophy of this government is contrary to everything I’ve been taught as a Muslim, a northerner, and a Nigerian. They came to govern the cake, to enrich themselves. We are different people, parallel lines that will never meet,” he said. El-Rufai further disclosed that his decision to reject a ministerial appointment from President Tinubu was based on those same principles. “If I had accepted the ministerial position that was publicly offered to me, I would have resigned shortly after. Our fundamental philosophies of governance are worlds apart,” he added.

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